Germany’s premier B2B travel event, the Germany Travel Mart™ (GTM), is set to make a dynamic return in 2026, with the Ruhr valley city of Oberhausen confirmed as host. Organized by the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), GTM continues to evolve as a high-impact platform connecting international travel buyers with Germany’s most forward-thinking tourism players.
Following the success of this year’s GTM 360°, which introduced a hybrid model designed for year-round industry engagement, the 2026 edition promises to merge tradition with innovation in one of Germany’s most culturally revitalized cities.
GTM 360°: A Milestone for Global Tourism Partnerships
GTM 2025, under the enhanced GTM 360° format, underscored the GNTB’s commitment to fostering continuous global engagement. Around 150 accredited buyers—including key delegates from India—conducted over 3,200 one-on-one business meetings with 129 German tourism providers through the GNTB’s bespoke online platform.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
- 87% of attendees rated their experience as satisfactory or highly satisfactory
- 98% reported successful new business contacts
- 85% indicated strong interest in returning for future editions
Premium sponsors included Dorint Hotels Betriebs GmbH and Deutsche Lufthansa AG, with Sixt SE supporting as a mobility partner—highlighting the event’s blend of hospitality, logistics, and strategic networking.
Oberhausen: A Bold Choice for GTM 2026
Set to take place from April 19 to 21, 2026, the 52nd Germany Travel Mart™ will shine a spotlight on Oberhausen, a city emblematic of the Ruhr region’s transformation from industrial powerhouse to cultural and green innovation hub.
Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the GNTB, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming host:
“Oberhausen is a powerful symbol of the Ruhr’s dynamic renewal. Its choice as the next GTM venue reflects our desire to showcase destinations that balance industrial heritage with sustainable, future-facing tourism development.”
One standout venue will be the former zinc factory, a striking example of adaptive reuse that blends historical grit with modern sophistication—perfectly aligning with the GTM’s experiential ethos.
India’s Growing Influence
Romit Theophilus, Director of Marketing & Sales at GNTO India, highlighted India’s growing engagement:
“We are incredibly excited to bring our Indian partners to Oberhausen in 2026. GTM is a hub for meaningful interaction, from high-caliber meetings to immersive convention tours showcasing Germany’s hidden treasures.”
Looking Ahead: Green Tourism and IGA Ruhr 2027
Oberhausen’s presentation will also highlight the International Garden Exhibition (IGA) Ruhr 2027, positioning the GTM as a springboard for sustainable tourism initiatives across the region. The event is expected to generate not only fresh business ties but also long-term interest in Germany’s evolving eco-tourism landscape.
For travel industry leaders, from boutique agency founders to global CEOs, the 2026 GTM in Oberhausen offers a compelling blend of strategy, discovery, and inspiration—proving once again that Germany is not just a destination, but a dynamic tourism innovator.
Explore more at: Germany Travel Mart™
